Our Story
Specialties
The Centered Place yoga studio was awarded in successive years the Sturbridge Times Readers' Choice Best of Greater Sturbridge Award. The Centered Place is easily accessible from many towns of Central MA, including the nearby Brookfields, Sturbridge, Ware, Palmer, Brimfield, Monson, and Wales. The style of yoga we teach - Svaroopa® yoga - is also easily accessible. We tailor yoga poses to respect the individual needs of each student; we provide yoga for every body. We emphasize precise alignment with compassionate support. This creates a sense of ease and safety, which in turn enables release of even the deepest levels of tension. Svaroopa yoga is much more than a physical workout. It is a practice that brings more peace and joy within. Even after one yoga class, students experience more tranquility, balance, and inner strength. They report having less tension and being able to breathe more easily. They have brightness in their eyes and a lightness in their step.
Note that though the Facebook category that we are listed under is "Yoga & Pilates". We only teach yoga here.
History
Established in 1988.
The studio was founded by Nancy A Nowak. The studio is co-directed by her life partner, Phil Milgrom. Both are Registered Yoga Teachers and Registered Svaroopa Yoga Teachers with many hours of training and many years of teaching experience. The teaching staff also includes Patty Sayre and Shanti Ellan Catacchio, who also have many hours of training and teaching experience. Svaroopa yoga has been taught at the studio since 1997. The Svaroopa yoga style is taught exclusively for all classes. In addition, Svaroopa Vidya Meditation classes are taught at the studio. Since 2002, Nancy has been teaching special, free yoga classes for cancer survivors and friends. The classes are co-sponsored by Rays of Hope and the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane.
Originally, the studio was located in the basement of the home of Nancy and Phil. Then in 1992, the studio was moved to a spacious timber frame built alongside the home. The floor is heated.
Meet the Business Owner
Business Owner
Phil has been practicing yoga since 1970 and teaching since 1974. Nancy has been practicing since 1980 and teaching since 1986. Phil and Nancy have studied under many teachers over the years. Nancy's introduction to yoga began as an intern in the UMASS Medical Center's Center for Mindfulness and Medicine program. She studied directly with the program's founder, Jon Kabat Zinn. Later, Nancy was certified as a Kripalu yoga teacher. Both Nancy and Phil became certified Svaroopa yoga teachers in 1997. They each have over 500 hours of training in Svaroopa yoga. Both Nancy and Phil received training from and taught for the American Yoga College. They also received certification as Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapists. Phil also teaches yoga in Westford, MA and offers stress management workshops to corporations and businesses nationally. He is a motivational speaker as well. He works for HP as an Information Developer. Nancy manages a lab at the UMASS Medical School.
